When the temperature rises, one of the first things on your mind is how to cool down. And if you’re anything like me, that usually means cranking up the thermostat and flipping on your air conditioning unit. But if you want to save some money, get better air quality in your home, or just avoid contributing to climate change—by all means!—there are lots of ways to beat the heat without turning on that big boxy appliance. Here’s a list of my favorite low-tech strategies for keeping cool when it feels like summer:
Sweep your floors
Sweeping your floors is one of the easiest ways to keep your home cool and clean, and it’s also a great way to circulate air in the room. Sweeping removes dust, dirt and other debris from the floor which can help keep the air cleaner. Plus, sweeping causes you to move around while you do it–which means that you’re getting some exercise while cooling off!
If you have hardwood floors or tile floors without carpeting beneath them (such as linoleum), sweeping will work just fine as long as you use a broom with soft bristles rather than an abrasive brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. If there is carpeting underfoot then sweep first before vacuuming so that loose particles don’t clog up any suction mechanisms or filters in either device.
Open the windows
Open your windows! This is one of the best ways to keep your home cool without air conditioning, and it’s also free. Opening up all of the windows can help let in a breeze, which will help keep things feeling fresh in the house. Make sure that you have blinds or curtains on hand so that you can cover them up when the sun comes out during the day–you don’t want to let too much light into your home while everyone’s asleep.
If it’s nighttime, open those windows wide! The cool night air will drift through each room as well as provide some much needed relief from summer heat during this period.
Close off rooms you don’t use
- Don’t open the doors and windows in rooms you don’t use.
- Use fans to circulate air in the rooms you do use, but only when they’re on low speed or oscillating mode so that you can save energy by not having them running constantly.
- Don’t use the oven or stove if you don’t need to (and even then, try using it as little as possible). If your kitchen is hot from being used all day long, turn off lights when leaving each room so that less heat builds up inside your house overall!
Get a ceiling fan
Ceiling fans are a great way to cool off. They’re cheap, easy to install, and can be installed by a DIYer or professional without taking down the ceiling. You’ll want to make sure that your fan has an AC motor–this means that it will have three wires (black/blue/white) instead of two (black/white).
If you’re installing a ceiling fan yourself:
- Remove any existing light fixtures from where you want your new fan hung on the wall or ceiling. Be careful not to break them when removing them! If possible, try not pulling directly upward on them; instead push outward from below with one hand while holding onto the fixture with another hand above it.
Get a pedestal fan
The next time you’re shopping for a fan, consider getting one that sits on top of its base. These pedestal fans are great because they’re portable and can be moved around the house to cool different areas.
The best part about pedestal fans is that they’re not just for cooling down your home; they also work great for drying off after a shower or bath! I used mine all throughout college when my hair was long enough that it took forever to dry naturally (and there wasn’t much room in our dorm bathroom).
Use a damp towel to cool down the room
If you don’t have air conditioning, try using a damp towel or rag on your face and body to keep cool. This works especially well if you’re feeling hot and sweaty after working out.
You can also place wet rags in front of doors and windows so that they help keep out some of the heat from outside as well as inside your home during those hot summer days!
If you have pets that are uncomfortable in this heat, try placing them near a fan or even under one if possible (make sure not to let them get too close). Also consider giving them ice cubes every once in a while so they stay hydrated!
Add custom made blinds
If you have windows in your home, custom made blinds can make a huge difference. Blinds provide shade from direct sunlight while still allowing light into the room. They also help block out noise pollution so you get a quiet place to work or relax. You can choose different types of shades depending on what style suits your home best – Roman blinds, pleated blinds or roller blinds all work well as window treatments.
Take a cold shower
Cold showers are a great way to cool down. They can be uncomfortable at first, but you’ll get used to them and they’ll help you sleep better. If you don’t like the idea of taking cold showers every day, consider installing an inexpensive fan in your bathroom (or even outside) that will blow cool air into the room while you’re showering.
Keep your shades closed in the day
Shades can help block light and heat from entering a room. This is especially helpful during the summer months when the sun can be extremely hot. Keeping shades closed will also reduce glare on computer screens and televisions, making them easier to see.
Using these tips, you can keep your home cool without having to turn on the air conditioner. It’s a great way to save money and energy while still being comfortable in the summer heat!